Running Repeats for the First Time

I was anxious for my Saturday workout. 8 x 400 at 5K Pace. Not only does
speed work scare the crap out of me but I don't know what my "5K pace
is". The only 5K I have raced was over 2 years ago and I have made vast
improvements since then. At that time I got 25:11, for a pace of 8:06
per mile.

Not knowing where to really shot for I decided to just run the first 400
at a pace I believed I could maintain for all 8 laps and see what it was
at. I left my house, with my daughter biking next to me, and we made the
1 mile trip to the middle school near our house. Upon arriving, I
stretched for 10 minutes and turned on my iPod, trying to get into it
mentally.

As I set off for my first 400 I felt slow. Seriously sluggish (maybe it
was all the beer tasting from the night before....oops!). I looked down
at my step watch as I stepped across the line was pleasantly surprised
to see a 1:45. For starting out conservatively, I was really impressed.
I grabbed a swig of my water and lined up for the next one.....again,
about a 1:47:-)

I ran all eight between 1:44 and 1:48! (Unfortunately, I was keeping
track under "notes" on my iPhone and forgot to save it but I still know
the range). As I ran back to the house (don't worry, I remembered
Kaitlyn!) I thought about how tired I wasn't. While I'm happy with the
fact I had a feeling for my pace, I want more! I want to feel like I
gave all that I could.

For the next one, my goal is to decrease time between the laps. Maybe to
30 seconds? I didn't measure it this time but I will the next time. I
don't think I want to go faster right away. My hip (prone to injury) was
a bit sore that night.

I'm more excited about running than I have been since I did my marathon
last March. It is a wonderful feeling!